Archive for June, 2009

The results of the World Quiz Championship are all tallied, and the USA did great! Out of 24 participating nations, we placed 3rd . . . England and Belgium finished ahead of us, but at least we kicked Russkie butt! Our local champion was Lucas Meyer (of Triviology regulars Team Zissou), who ranked 167th world wide (out of nearly 1,000 competitors!), and 20th in the North American tally! I couldn’t officially play, since I was the “proctor” (tee hee!) of the quiz, so mine is only an exhibition score. Since I know how you guys score every night, it’s only fair that I reveal my ranking (just in case you’re curious), even though I didn’t do particularly well – I placed about 54th on the continent and 411th world wide – pretty average. I did learn who the Turkish Elvis is, though! If you’d like to see how you stack up, I’ve got a couple dozen extra copies of the quiz – just ask me for one the next time you see me.

This Monday is THE day to check out my newest venue: Ella Street Social Club. Why? ‘Cuz . . . team Midas Touch My Balls has proven that it is possible to play a double-header on any given Monday; as soon as Kyle’s 6:00 Ella quiz is over, jet on over to Hawthorne Hideaway for a fresh new 8:00 quiz hosted by myself. Also, in addition to fun prizes for the top two highest scoring teams, this Monday the Ella St. champions will receive gift certificates for breakfast at Montage! And finally, chances of a video clip round are excellent. Heretofore, Peter’s has been my only venue with a large, strategically placed TV, but now you have two choices of quizzes which may include a whole round of commercials, films, viral videos, and other moving pictures. It’s always fun to see what comes out of Kyle’s noggin, and you’ll actually get an extra chance to do so this Wednesday – he will be subbing for Scott at The Hutch for the night.

Tomorrow (Saturday, June 6th) is a big day for trivia fans worldwide – quizzers in Kolkata, Ottawa, Budapest, Kuala Lumpur, Geneva, Manila, Monrovia, and tons of other cities will simultaneously (more or less) compete in the 2009 World Quiz Championship! Apparently, Russia heard that I challenged them in last week’s newsletter, because they have decided to throw their hat in the ring, too! Way to invoke some cold war nostalgia, Mother Russia . . . but Drago’s going down! Oregon has never participated in the WQC (in fact this is only the third year any city in the US has played), so please come out and make us look good! The Portland quiz starts at noon, and The Spare Room has nice greasy-spoon breakfast so that you can fuel up for the task at hand.

I honestly think that you people, my Triviologists, have a great chance of doing well on this world-class quiz, and here’s why (aside from the wicked smart factor): in short, the quiz is similar in format to mine. It lasts a couple of hours, and the questions are about half pop culture and half book learnin’, divided into 8 categories (Entertainment, Culture, Lifestyles, World, Sports, Sciences, Media). If you tank a round, fear not – your worst category will NOT be factored into your total score! Also, not only are some of WQC’s questions easier than mine, some of them are the same. For example, here’s one from the Sports category that I happened to ask recently that lots of you got correct: “In 10-pen bowling, how many consecutive strikes does a player need for a ‘perfect game’ that will earn them a maximum score of 300 points?” And here’s one from Sciences that I probably wouldn’t ask, because I deem it too easy for you guys: “Which is the brightest planet, when viewed from Earth?” (Explore their website for more question samples.) If you want to play as a team just for fun, you are welcome to do so, but if you want to officially join the ranks, you must fly solo! Oh, and this is a free event, of course.

If one quiz a day just isn’t enough for you, or you’d rather just save your trivia energy for solely pop cultural pursuits, joinTrivia Jock Scott and I at 7PM (also on Saturday) at Peter’s 19th Hole for I Don’t Feel Tardy 2, the second annual music trivia quiz (little did I know when Scott’s team won last year that he would be working for me today!). Scott will challenge your knowledge of all kinds of music, with trivia questions, a couple of audio clip rounds, and probably a video clip round as well. The champion crew wins gift certificates to the bar, and I’ve also got some fun, silly, music themed prizes for the couple of highest scoring teams.

Folks, I simply must share this wonderful treat with you. Team Midas Touch My Balls are tearing up the quiz scene at Hawthorne Hideaway, and have also proven that their talents aren’t limited to the trivial – check out their graphics skills:

If that picture didn’t make you lose your appetite . . . be advised that our friends at The Montage are now serving brunch! They officially open for morning meals this weekend, 10 – 1:30. I recommend Le Hash.